The Allstate Blog » Renters Insurance

Shoveling Snow: Who’s Responsible, the Renter or the Landlord?

Sarah Katz, Apartments.com — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:44:28 +0000

Winter is not quite over, which means there a few more opportunities for snow to fall and ice to form. And while renters might assume that their landlord is responsible for shoveling snow and other winter weather maintenance, that’s not necessarily true. As a renter, the responsibility for snow removal varies depending on your location and the agreement you’ve entered into with the landlord. To get down to the bottom of the issue, we recommend looking in three places: Your lease, state laws and local ordinances.

Your Lease

Like many questions involving landlord and renter rights and responsibilities, your lease is a good starting point to find out more information. Usually, if you live in an apartment complex with shared walkways and parking areas, your landlord will be responsible for keeping those areas clear; but it won’t always be explicitly written in the lease. (If you’re renting a single-family home where you have sole control over the walkways and driveways, you may find that you’re responsible for shoveling snow and clearing walkways of ice, in addition to cutting the grass and other seasonal maintenance.)

State Laws

If your lease has no mentions of snow removal, your next step is to find out what your state law says. State laws vary, and responsibility for the task may differ depending on the apartment you’re renting and the terms of your lease. This is important if your lease does not explicitly mention snow removal, but it's also important even if your lease does cover the topic. Some landlords, particularly smaller ones, use stock leases without being fully aware of the relevant state laws or statutes. If your landlord has an obligation based on state laws, the language in your lease may not change or override that.

Local Ordinances

Finally, take a look at your local ordinances. Some cities and counties have additional laws, called ordinances, which place obligations on either tenants or landlords.They’ll spell out not only your landlord’s responsibilities with regard to snow removal, but may provide you with remedies, or a person to contact, if management isn’t keeping up their end of the bargain. While these ordinances won’t conflict with state law, they may increase your responsibilities—or your landlord’s. You can usually find a copy of local ordinances on your town’s or county’s website. By checking your lease, state laws and local ordinances, you should be able to get concrete answers to your question who is responsible for shoveling snow during the winter months.

This is a guest post from Sarah Katz, Content & Community Manager at Apartments.com.

Living Large, Spending Small: Tricking Out Your First Apartment on a Budget

Lindsey — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:00:45 +0000

I'm done with college and officially a member of the real world. I have a job and a new apartment. I'm feeling safe and secure from those real-world risks with a new renters insurance policy for my apartment. Now, I just need some new stuff that's worth insuring. I want my new pad to be a cool, comfortable spot to hang out and entertain; I'm so done with living in sorority house squalor. Luckily, I've got $3,000 in graduation gift money saved and, after doing a little research, this is what I'm thinking I'll pick up.

TV

In school, I spent a lot of time watching Hulu on my laptop, but that doesn't feel very adult. I'll need company while I watch hours of reality TV on Sunday afternoons and making my girlfriends huddle around a 13-inch computer screen just isn't going to cut it. These days, and especially around the holidays, it’s not unusual to find a 40-inch HDTV on sale for around $375, which would be a great, affordable addition to my living room and will definitely win me brownie points with my football-crazy boyfriend.

Laptop

My job's not a simple 9-5, and my boss expects a lot from me. Because I want to do my best, I'm going to need to put in some time after hours and on weekends and I'll need a reliable computer for that. It's time to upgrade the 4-year-old fossil I've had since freshman year, and a refurbished laptop looks like the perfect replacement. OK, yes, the fact that I'll look really cool sitting on my couch while typing on it is a contributing factor.

Couch

No more beanbags and blow-up furniture. It's time for a real couch that hasn't been dragged inside from a street corner. I'm thinking about going to that gigantic, Scandinavian furniture store to pick up an ultra-sleek loveseat for just over $300. It seems relatively affordable, but its bold style statement makes it look about three times the price.

Record Player

I'm a huge music lover, but I can't afford a top-notch sound system yet. I could always blast tunes through my laptop, but a $100 record player might be a more interesting aesthetic addition to my living room. Picking one up will also force me to amass a collection of vinyl...which is totally awesome in its own right. Album covers are also a great cheap way to decorate a space if displayed in an interesting way.

Vanity

Being able to relax in my apartment is a top priority, but I'll need to get out and show off my heel collection at some point, too. Prepping for nights out with friends is a process, and I need a chic beauty station to make sure all goes to plan. That's why I'm buying a vanity and stool. It'll look perfect with my bedroom set and it's less than $150. Some people say beauty is pain, but no one says it has to cost a lot.

Golden Opportunity? Get Your Jewelry Reappraised

Jen — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:00:56 +0000

When my grandmother passed away last year, I inherited part of her jewelry collection. While some pieces are treasured family heirlooms, others reflect my grandmother’s taste for the eccentric, flashy and – I’m sorry to say –slightly tawdry. (Sorry, Grandma, but we have different styles!) Assured by family members that it was OK to sell these pieces (we've all seen those billboards and late-night TV commercials advertising gold resale), I needed a jewelry appraisal to determine their value. My appraiser told me that recent skyrocketing gold prices may have substantially increased the values of my jewelry. Which is why many insurance carriers recommend an appraisal every three to five years; routinely getting appraisals helps ensure that your policy is providing adequate personal property coverage.

Get a Fair Jewelry Appraisal

So, where can you find an appraiser? Unfortunately, just working in the jewelry industry doesn't make someone a fair or accurate appraiser. Be wary of jewelers without accreditation or those who work out of temporary mobile offices. Instead, choose an appraiser licensed by your state’s licensing board. The appraiser should also be an accredited member of a nationally recognized appraisal organization, such as The American Society of Appraisers, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gemological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A). Ask to see credentials, and confirm that they are still valid. Any reputable appraiser will charge a flat fee for his or her service. Never agree to a percentage fee based on the jewelry’s value. Not only is a percentage fee unethical, but it may result in an inflated assessment for your pieces. Once you receive your appraisal, you should review your homeowners or renters insurance policy. A typical policy includes personal property protection that covers the loss of your belongings if they’re stolen or damaged. But many categories of coverage - like jewelry - have set a maximum dollar limit your insurance carrier will pay if an item is lost or stolen. If you have valuable jewelry, such as an engagement ring or other recently appraised gold pieces, it makes sense to review your coverage limits and make sure they're enough. I ultimately discovered that my grandmother’s gold jewelry was of some value, and I decided to keep her pieces rather than sell them. Gold prices may still have room to rise. And who knows? Maybe my style will change over time, too!

Countdown: A Week-By-Week Moving Checklist for Your New Apartment

Jamie Grimes - Apartment Guide — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:00:29 +0000

Whether it’s your first time or your 12^th, moving can be exciting. But it can also be overwhelming and stressful. From finding a place to live and packing up your things to unpacking boxes and figuring out décor options for your new space, there’s a lot involved in a move. To stay sane during the process, you just need to stay organized. (Don't be afraid to ask for help!). Use this eight-week moving checklist as a guide to help you move and get nicely settled into your new apartment.

Eight Weeks Before Your Move:

Moving notebook: Keep track of all of your moving information in a notebook/binder, and use it as an easy reference guide. This can include receipts, contracts and a list of all the items you are moving.
Sort and purge: Go through your place, room by room, and sort all of your belongings. Determine what you plan to keep and consider throwing (or giving) away things you no longer need. Set aside the items that you plan on taking with you and that you may not need for the next few weeks.
Moving company: Decide if you will be moving your own belongings or if you plan on using a moving company. Tip: If you go the moving company route, request an on-site estimate, which will give you a more accurate quote than if you were to do it over the phone.
Research your new city: If you have kids, research local schools, as well as community resources. Determine the new school locations, and begin asking for recommendations for doctors, health care providers, etc. Begin transferring school and medical records.
Give notice: Be sure you check your lease to see how much notice you need to give before you move out.

Six Weeks Before Your Move:

Change of address: File a change of address form. This is a good time to forward your mail to your new address.
Make arrangements: Contact your new apartment community and discuss your moving day. Finalize move-in details, and determine if special arrangements need to be made, such as special parking, moving hours, etc.
Renter’s insurance: Research insurance companies and arrange for renters insurance at your new apartment. Additionally, set a date to terminate your current policy.
Measurements: Check the room dimensions of your new apartment. This step is important, especially if you have larger pieces of furniture. Make sure your furniture can fit through the doorways of your new space.

Four Weeks Before Your Move:

Valuables: Make a list of valuable items that will require special moving arrangements. (This could include a flat-screen TV, artwork, etc).
Begin packing: Start packing your belongings, and begin with the items you use less frequently. Consider packing a priority box, which will make your move easier.
Use up items: If you have items such as frozen foods or detergent that you will not want to move, start using those items to avoid having too much waste.
Magazine subscriptions: Cancel or transfer your magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
Utilities: Call your utility providers to set up water, power, gas, television and Internet for your new apartment. Additionally, make arrangements to have your utilities canceled after you move out. Remember to ask about deposits and what to do with equipment (like the cable box, for example).
Bank accounts: Call your bank and credit card companies and close any accounts you will not be transferring. Also, ask about the moving process for your accounts.

Two Weeks Before Your Move:

Credit cards: Transfer your credit cards and bank statements to your new address.
Talk with your new leasing manager: Contact your new apartment community manager and confirm the time you will be able to pick up your keys for your new apartment.
Moving truck: Confirm the time that your moving truck and movers will arrive at your current apartment.
License plates: If you are moving to a new state, apply for a new vehicle registration. Additionally, determine how soon you will need to update your driver’s license.
Cleaning: Read over your lease agreement to find out what kind of cleaning is necessary when you move out. Consider calling a carpet cleaner and/or a company to come out and thoroughly clean your apartment.
Safe deposit box: Remove the contents of your safe deposit box at the bank if you are changing banks. Place these items in the safe box that you plan to take with you on moving day.
Prescriptions: Refill any prescriptions you may need during the next few weeks.

The Week of the Move:

Suitcase: Pack a suitcase with enough clothes to wear for the first few days in your new apartment. Don’t forget toiletries.
Double check: Go back through your moving notebook and confirm that you have everything covered. Confirm the moving time with your moving company, and make sure you have written directions to your new home for the moving staff. Make sure these notes include your cellphone number.
Payment: If you are paying the moving company on the day of the move, be sure to have a money order, cashier's check or cash for payment, as well as for the tip. A good tip for a job well done is 15 percent. If you want to go the extra step, provide refreshments for the movers.

Moving Day:

Clean: Perform last-minute cleaning and take out the trash.
Final walkthrough: Walk through each room and make sure you aren’t leaving anything behind.
Priority box: Be sure to keep your priority box(es) in your car.
Arrive early: Be sure to arrive at your new apartment before the movers. Contact the apartment manager and have a walkthrough of your new apartment. Check to make sure the necessary utilities have been hooked up. Once the moving company arrives, take note of items as they are unloaded. Sign final paperwork and keep a copy for your records.
Unpack: Go through your priority box and unpack the items you may need. Then, arrange your furniture and set up the items you may need the most first. Then, work your way through the rest.

This guest post was provided by Apartment Guide, a leader in apartment search listings and moving content. Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction.

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National Preparedness Month: Be Prepared [SLIDESHOW]

Melissa — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:00:22 +0000

Don’t wait for a natural disaster or other catastrophe before you think about what your family would do in an emergency. September is National Preparedness Month, and it gives you the perfect opportunity to get ready for whatever Mother Nature may have in store. Whether it's a hurricane, a tornado, an earthquake, a wildfire or some other catastrophe, there are specific steps you can take to make sure you’re ready. [slideshow]

Packing for College: Everything You Need to Move into Your Apartment

Rebecca Freeman, ForRent.com — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:00:44 +0000

Attention college students! You’re probably enjoying the very end of your summer break. And while I'm not here to tell you to put down your lemonade, school is right around the corner, and you need to be prepared! If this is your first time living on your own, you’re probably excited, nervous and maybe even a little overwhelmed. You have so much to do. And buy. But, where to start? The truth is furnishing a college apartment will be the easiest decorating you’ll probably ever do. Start with the things you know you’ll need. Grab a notepad and take a stroll around your home. Make a list of all the items you use on a daily basis. (You can also check out ForRent.com’s “Move In” Pinterest board for inspiration.)

Score inexpensive furniture for your apartment

Of course, being on a budget can be frustrating—especially when buying furniture. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family if they have castoffs that you can use. Places like yard sales and thrift stores are also good sources for inexpensive chairs, tables, sofas, and pretty much anything else you may need. If the appearance of the furniture is not to your liking, get creative and fix it up: Cover sofa cushions with fabric, for instance, or paint chairs a different color. Another option: Have a going away party. If your family and friends ask if you need anything, offer a not-so-subtle hint that you need items to furnish your new apartment. And don’t forget to stock up on cleaning supplies. Dollar stores have loads of cleaning supplies for, you guessed it, just $1.

Make a room-by-room packing list

If you’re still nervous about forgetting to pack something, we have a list of “must have" items for you to bring to your college apartment. Going room to room, use this packing list to make sure you have the essentials for your new apartment:

Bedroom:

Bedding
Drapes
Tissues
Rugs
Clock/Alarm
Fan
Mirrors
Storage
Night stands
Desk hutch
Dresser
Desk
Desk lamp
TV

Bathroom:

Towels
Wash cloths
Shower curtain
Curtain liner
Shower caddy
Soap dispenser
Bathrobe
Bath mat
Shower curtain rings
Trash can
Toilet paper
Toilet cleaner
Plunger
Medicines/toiletries

Kitchen:

Dishes
Utensils
Cookware
Sugar set
Salt and pepper set
Coffee mugs
Coffee pot
Dish towels
Dish soap
Potholders
Tablecloths
Placemats
Paper towels
Bar stools
Microwave
Trash can

Cleaning/Laundry:

Vacuum
Duster
Broom
Dust pan (metal ones are best)
Mop
Garbage can
Garbage bags
Iron
Ironing board
Laundry basket
Laundry detergent

Closet:

Hangers
Storage bins
Hooks

If you have a roommate, it might be helpful to coordinate on some of these items. There's no need for you to spend all your hard-earned money for nothing. And, it bears saying, look into renters insurance to protect your belongings against theft, fire or some other loss. Think of what it would cost to replace all your stuff (used or not)!

Are there essentials we’ve overlooked in this college packing list? What do you make sure to bring with you?

Guest blogger Rebecca Freeman writes on behalf of ForRent.com, the Nation's Leading Apartment Resource.

Slideshow: How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Melissa — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:00:16 +0000

Most people living in hurricane-prone areas know the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year. Every year, you hear it: "Prepare early. Buy your hurricane supplies now." With a six-month risk window every year and only a rare storm actually coming ashore in the U.S., it’s easy to get complacent – but don’t. We’re lucky that meteorologists can sometimes predict a hurricane days before it strikes, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to get ready. Check out the following slideshow for information on what you can do now to get prepared. [slideshow]

How to Assess the Security Risks of an Apartment Building

Frank Rivera, ADT — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:00:34 +0000

Some people feel property ownership is an integral part of the American Dream, while others are staunch advocates for the flexibility and convenience that comes along with renting. But one thing that apartment dwellers and home buyers have in common, though, is an interest in determining the security risks of a property before moving in. Here’s what to consider before you sign on the dotted line:

Apartment Security Checklist

How secure is the parking area? Dedicated parking for the apartment complex is an advantage, but if an intruder can simply waltz in on foot, it’s not very secure parking. Underground parking may be better, but the same rule applies. And, if you have to walk through an underground garage before getting to an elevator or stairwell, you might ask whether there is a security guard to help ensure your safety. How long of a walk is it from the parking area to the front door? And what are the potential threats along the way? It’s a good idea to check during the day and at night, as you might discover things that escaped your notice the first time. Look for darkened walkways or blind spots, dense shrubbery or courtyards that are accessible to the public. (Trespassers are curiously undeterred by “no trespassing” signs.) How far into the building can you get without a key? If the lobby has a security door that can only be entered with a key or pass code, that’s a good thing. On the other hand, if it’s easy to catch the door as someone else leaves, a pass code is worthless. Also, find out if there is a guard on duty and if security cameras are installed (real ones, not empty boxes with blinking lights!). With security cameras becoming more affordable, there is no excuse for an apartment building not to have them—at the very minimum—in the lobby. Is the apartment entry a steel door with a deadbolt? Wood doors with a quaint, old-fashioned chain and a button-lock on the knob are no match for a determined crook. Ask the landlord whether the locks have been changed and request to see a receipt for it, if possible. Can window latches – particularly on first-floor apartments – be defeated using the ‘ole credit card trick? If there is a balcony, can it be accessed from the ground by shimmying up the railing or from another neighbor’s balcony? This is why sliding glass doors should have high quality locking mechanisms. Look for fire alarms and sprinklers. New apartment buildings are required to have them, but if you’re considering an old building, make sure these items have been updated. A security alarm system is advantageous, but if there isn’t one, ask the landlord what the rules are for installing one for your own apartment. Is the storage facility or garage secure? Or, is it accessible by the next tenant over? Also, carefully peruse amenities such as laundry areas, workout rooms and the swimming pool to ensure they don’t allow access to outsiders. Who can see into your apartment? Look out the windows of the same unit you’re considering and determine who can see into your apartment (including other units within the complex) and who can monitor the property from outside. Remember that apartment security concerns include other residents, as well as outsiders. And it goes without saying that you should always secure your personal belongings. It may sound strange, but when assessing your apartment, you should try putting yourself in the mindset of a criminal. Ask yourself, “If I was a (burglar, mugger, predator, peeping tom, etc.), how would I take action?” It may feel silly initially, but you’ll quickly understand: The point of considering the security risks of an apartment is not to indulge in paranoia, but to sleep well at night, knowing you’ve already put your safety first. Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Systems. You might also like:

Tips on Sharing Expenses with a Roommate

Lindsey — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:00:19 +0000

With our college days firmly behind us, many of my friends are moving from rowdy, shared houses to quiet apartments of their own. But I’ve lived with roommates since my dorm days and at this point in my life, wouldn’t have it any other way. Who else would sit with me through three-hour marathons of The Bachelor or help bake a late-night batch of brownies on a random weeknight? Yet, living with roommates has its challenges. While I love my roommate like a sister, it can be difficult to get all our bills paid on time. Here’s how we keep track of our shared expenses:

Decide how to split the bills

The day I moved in with my roommate, we had a “family meeting” to discuss our arrangement for bills and other expenses. My roommate, who already lived in the apartment, had most of the utilities in her name from the previous year. I let her know I was willing to take some of them over, but we decided it would be easiest for her to handle all of the utility bills (which includes electricity, gas, cable and Internet) and for me to reimburse her for my half. Then, we spelled out our plan on a roommate agreement I found online, and both us signed it. This might explain why we haven’t had a single argument about our bills (fingers crossed). When my roommate receives our bills each month, she writes the total amount I owe her on a dry-erase board on our fridge. That way, I’m reminded of exactly what I need to pay every time I reach for a carton of milk! To take some of the burden off my roomie, I’m in charge of paying our rent. Just before we moved into our place, one of my co-workers turned me onto Splitwise, a site that allows you to track shared expenses with your roommates and friends. If you supply your roommate’s email address, it will even notify them when they have a payment coming up. This is great because it keeps me from having to hound my roomie when our rent is due, which I’m sure she appreciates!

Share statements and stay organized

In case of any disputes with your roommates or utility companies, keep all of your utility bills and receipts for at least a couple months to ensure everything checks out. We receive most of our bills and account statements online, so my roommate emails me PDFs of those statements and both of us save them on our computers. We store any paper bills we receive in an envelope organizer on our bookshelf.

We receive most of our bills and account statements online, so my roommate emails me PDFs of those statements and both of us save them on our computers.

When it comes time to reimburse each other for rent and utilities, we use our bank’s online person-to-person payment service. That way, we have a time-stamped record of each payment, so we don’t start silly fights about who owes whom $5. Also, once my roommate has paid a utility bill, she forwards me a confirmation receipt or a screen shot showing the payment has been made. That way, we can be certain every bill is accounted for and paid in full.

Remain flexible

When a friend's apartment was broken into, my roommate and I started considering something we hadn’t planned for: renters insurance. We realized we were taking a big risk by not protecting our property, so we gladly added this to our monthly expenses. We’ve been treating our renters insurance payments just like regular utility bills, which has worked out great. If you’re considering renters insurance, you may want to check if your policy will let you add a roommate, as few of them do. Since renter’s rates tend to be pretty low for people our age, most people I know simply pay for their own policies. It took us a little while to figure out the best way to handle our bills. But now that we’ve been living together for almost a year, my roommate and I have our system down to a science—which leaves us plenty of time for reality TV!

April Fools: World’s Most Unsuccessful Criminals

Jen — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:09:44 +0000

Have you ever read a news story about crime and found yourself shaking your head in disbelief? Do you ever hear of a sentence handed down from a court and wish they’d just throw the book at him? After all, criminals don’t just cost their victims heartache and money, they increase costs for all of us by making products more expensive than they might be otherwise. It may make you feel better to know that some criminals do a better job punishing themselves than a rusty, medieval device ever could. These are people who are just not happy being anonymous, so they leave a trail of bread crumbs to ensure their brilliance is appreciated. Here are a handful of recent examples: Burglarize a cop’s home, gain unwanted attention – Some criminals focus on targets of opportunity, like the elderly, while others consider that just plain unsporting. But when you break into a cop’s house and said cop arrives home while you’re there, you won’t get away clean or easy. The police officer held one of the burglars inside his Kansas City home, but the two others fled. The officer's call for help brought a surge of law enforcement resources into the neighborhood, where all three men were taken into custody.They'll certainly think twice now before pilfering a police officer’s place. Social Media Gone Wrong – Aren’t people who feel they need to wish the Facebook community “good morning” every day annoying? Save status updates for the truly important things! A robber in New York City announced his intentions 45 minutes prior to robbing a bank, and changed his online name to that of his idol, the notorious bank robber Willie Sutton. To make sure all his friends knew about his latest “achievement,” he posted pictures of himself holding a wad of hundred dollar bills – the proceeds of his heists. Don’t steal on an empty stomach – Apparently, even thieves need to refuel. One would think to grab a granola bar along with that big-screen TV – anything that can be eaten on the go – but this robber had a taste for something a little more savory: bacon. While he was frying up the tasty treat, the rightful homeowner returned and caught the burglar’s Top Chef performance. We’re pretty sure the bacon was confiscated as evidence, though it probably disappeared by lunchtime. “False alarm, ignore our drugs!” – Even criminals hate being victims of crime, so one couple made sure to equip their drug house with a burglar alarm. Too bad the alarm was accidentally tripped, causing the police to investigate. When officers entered the unlocked residence to check for a prowler, they made an even bigger bust. The owners had left their marijuana, cocaine and drug paraphernalia in plain view and were arrested and charged. One horse getaway – When you see a reckless driver, you get the license plate and phone the police, right? But what if it’s a buggy with only an orange reflective triangle on the back? Police in Leon, N.Y. chased an Amish teen who ran a stop sign, but the Victorian-era horse carriage was no match for a 250-horse Crown Victoria. The teen flipped the buggy over into a ditch and was charged with – among other offenses – underage possession of alcohol and over-driving an animal. It’s frustrating to know that everybody has to spend more due to criminal activity: More in taxes to support crime fighting, higher prices for goods we need and greater insurance premiums. At the same time, it’s good to know that your insurance helps protect you from the anarchy of the aftermath created by the bad guys, and every once in a while, the criminals provide us with a good laugh.